Page 20 of What the Wife Knew

Oh, come on. Did people really jump at her barking commands? “Uh, no.”

“We need to talk. This is the kind of information that should remain private.”

Intriguing. Knowing I’d regret it, I conceded and steppedback so she could slither inside. “Go directly to the kitchen. I don’t need you skulking around.”

“I assure you I do notskulk.” Her heels clicked on the marble entry as she walked straight through to the kitchen as ordered. She scanned the room, taking in every inch, before standing next to the breakfast bar. Perfect posture on full display.

I couldn’t figure her out, and I’d tried. I watched her for weeks before I moved in on Richmond. She greeted everyone with a smile. Remembered names and little details about them. An impressive skill, actually. When the spotlight shifted off her, her expression changed. Hardened, void of emotion.

My initial reaction was she’d been playing the role of Mrs. Dougherty for so long, tolerating his cheating and dismissal, that she’d lost herself. Then I watched her with him during a flower show gala she chaired. An event I didn’t even know existed. They presented as a couple more in sync than in love. Fake, driven, and unconcerned about the victims they left in their wake.

That day she’d fought with two patrons who dared to question her, resorting to ado you know who I amargument to get her way. Kathryn wasn’t one to fade into the background. She thrived off Richmond’s reputation. Used it, threw it around, and demanded respect just because of her name. His perfect wife. Ruthless on the inside with an attractive exterior.

The close-in gala view killed most of the sympathy I might have had for her. “What do you want, Kathryn?”

“It’s time for you to leave.”

Honestly, this bitch could not stop. Entitlement thrummed off her. “My house, this town, or the state?”

“All of the above.” She made the comment without a hint of self-awareness, standing there like she owned the place.

I borrowed a terse answer from Elias’s playbook. “No.”

“We both know you forced my husband into marriage—”

“Myhusband.” That was the only time saying the phrase didn’t make me cringe.

“He gave in to you and look what happened.” Kathryn lifted her hands in the air as if she’d spilled some big secret. “I warned him.”

I refused to make this ridiculous conversation easy on her. She stormed into my house before noon making demands. She deserved what she got.

“He’s dead. Likely by your hand,” she said.

Another cup of coffee. That was the answer.

“You have the benefit of his last name.” She set her leather clutch on top of the breakfast bar but wisely didn’t sit. “There is nothing more for you in this town.”

I poured a cup, not bothering to offer her one. She wasn’t staying. “But everyone is so nice and welcoming here.”

“Your sarcasm isn’t appreciated.”

“That’s a shame because sarcasm makes up a large portion of my personality.”

Kathryn kept right on talking. “Your experience at the café yesterday was only a peek into the resounding dismissal you can expect without Richmond to protect you.”

“Funny how you know about my trip.”

“Despite your prestigious last name, which you should surrender, no restaurant will take your reservation. No store will accommodate you. I’m not sure where you’re getting your groceries, but I’ll stop that, too.”

That was quite the list of threats. “Are you done talking yet?”

“You should take this seriously. I can and will make your life difficult. No allies. No friends.” She madea tsk-tsksound. “If you think your days are dreary now, just wait. One word from me and no one will accept you or your stolen money.”

Stolen.Interesting word choice.

“Addison, hear me when I promise that you’re finished in this town.” She smiled. “Now I’m done.”

Chapter Fifteen

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